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Emotional Garth Brooks Inducted into Country Music Hall of Fame

October 22, 2012

Garth Brooks was formally inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame Sunday night in Nashville. His hero George Strait was there to sing “Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old)” in his honor and present Garth with the Hall of Fame member’s medallion too.

Garth was emotional throughout the tribute, which also featured Bob Seger singing “That Summer” and James Taylor performing “The River.” Garth’s wife Trisha Yearwood lined up the talent for his tribute, and he said before the ceremony, “My wife has spoiled me unbelievably rotten for this night, and I’m gonna enjoy it.”

Trisha sang backup with both Bob and James too, and Garth later called her his “soul mate” during his acceptance speech. He went on to say getting into the Hall of Fame was the greatest night of his life. The only events that trump this one are the births of his three daughters, who were in the front row for the ceremony. Garth told them, “I love you guys very, very much. You are the greatest days in my life.”

During his speech, George Strait recalled first hearing about Garth’s wild concerts where he’d swing over the crowd on a rope, spray water on himself and smash guitars. George said at the time, “This is country music, can he do that?”

George went on to salute Garth for his passion onstage and for expanding country music’s reach saying, “You’ve just brought so many new fans to our music. It helped all of us.”

Bob Seger also noted Garth’s passion and said, “I also love the fact that with his enormous success, his historic success, he’s still a really good guy. He wears it well.”

James Taylor noted that he feels a strong musical connection to Garth saying, “We’re on very parallel paths through this world and through this world of music. It’s meant so much to me over the years that Garth has mentioned me repeatedly as one of his influences.”

Grand Ole Opry star Connie Smith was also inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame Sunday night with a tribute performance from Lee Ann Womack. Ronnie Dunn and Ronnie Milsap were among the stars paying tribute to piano player and inductee Hargus “Pig” Robbins, who has played on major hits by everyone from George Jones and Patsy Cline to Shania Twain and Alan Jackson.